We are continually looking at enhancing our courses to ensure they are up to date and relevant. This means we may add new courses or update existing courses in our portfolio. As this happens, the courses are advertised as ‘subject to validation’ to make you aware that the course you are looking at may not yet be finalised, or is undergoing changes.
Any course listed as ‘subject to validation’ is in the final stages of approval. Validation is a rigorous process undertaken with academic staff, students, independent subject experts and employers to ensure the course is current, of high quality, and able to prepare students well for their future employment or further study.
Success through validation is not guaranteed, which is why courses are highlighted as ‘subject to validation’. In the event the course is significantly amended, or does not meet the necessary requirements for a successful validation, we will get in touch to support you in finding a suitable alternative, either at the University of Derby or at another provider.
Our Economics courses enable you to develop skills in applying economic theory, perspectives and approaches as a method of solving business and organisational problems. You’ll develop knowledge and capabilities in applied economic analysis and learn to use the software used by leading professionals in the financial sector.
You will combine this with studying history against the rich historical background of Derby and Derbyshire – an important centre for trade, religious expression, industry and enlightenment thought. Our History courses explore these key ideas and themes both within our region and across the globe. You’ll study an exciting range of modules branching from the sixteenth century to the modern day.
Developing your skills
We’ll provide you with the knowledge and skills required to undertake the type of applied micro and macro-economic analysis needed from business, public and voluntary sector economists. You will develop both quantitative and qualitative analytical skills essential for entry into graduate management and financial training positions, as well as being prepared for progression to postgraduate Economics degrees for careers as economists.
Our History courses aim to develop your verbal and written communication skills, team working, and the ability to understand, analyse, and summarise various types of data. These skills not only benefit your study of History, but also enhance your employability upon graduating.
1stfor student satisfactionHistory subject area, Complete University Guide 2025
Top5for student satisfactionEconomics subject area, Complete University Guide 2025
Top25for continuationEconomics subject area, Complete University Guide 2025
Top5for academic support in EconomicsNational Student Survey 2023
Tailor your degree
You’ll be able to tailor your degree to your interests and career goals with an exciting range of modules to choose from, covering themes such as the Enlightenment period, global mobility, marketing and presenting the past, market failure analysis, economics of sustainable business growth and financial risk management.
Putting theory into practice
You’ll benefit from varied teaching approaches, including guest speakers from a range of industry backgrounds, real-world learning opportunities such as live briefs, and projects set by industry, so you’ll graduate with a wealth of experience.
You can choose to take a placement year between years two and three of your degree, which would super-charge your employability and improve your prospects after graduation. We can help you to find a placement and provide support throughout your year away. If that's not for you, you can choose to complete internships during the summer breaks instead.
Choose your pathway
Studying a History and Economics Joint Honours degree allows you to choose whether you major in one subject or study them both equally.
You begin this degree by studying both subjects equally in your first year. By the end of your first year, you will then decide whether you would like to major or minor in a chosen subject or continue to study them both equally.
In this pathway, Economics is the major subject and History is the minor subject.
What is a Joint Honours degree?
A Joint Honours degree offers students the opportunity to study two subjects.
A Joint Honours degree is a great option if:
You want to study two subjects you’re passionate about
You’ve got a specific career in mind and want to create a tailored degree to prepare you for the future
You want to study a new subject alongside one you’re already familiar with
What you will study
The modules below indicate the range of modules you may study as part of this combination, however prescribed and optional modules will vary depending on whether you choose to study both subjects equally, or choose to major or minor in a subject. To find out exactly which modules you would study as part of your chosen combination please contact jhs@derby.ac.uk.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Undergraduate Open Days
The best way to find out if studying at Derby is right for you is to experience an Open Day. Get a feel for the city and campus, tour our first-class facilities and see where you could be living.
For History modules you’ll learn through a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, study visits and co-curricular learning.
Real world learning is at the heart of our economics modules, with the focus on solving genuine business problems as well as engaging with external experts to discuss economic concepts. You’ll learn through a compelling combination of:
interactive lectures
expert speakers
problem-solving seminars
group work
group discussion
workshops
case study analysis
computer lab work
practical analysis
How you are assessed
The History modules at Derby have a wide range of assessments that are varied and reflect the different academic and transferable skills of History graduates. We have designed our assessments to reflect the key skills of the historical discipline as well as skills that will prepare you for life beyond university. Our commitment to students as researchers, public history, global history and co-production has shaped our assessment strategy, and we have designed our assessments so that you are building expertise through the degree.
For Economics modules you’ll be assessed through computer-based assessments, essays, reports, group work, written and oral communication and live projects.
Who will teach you
You will be taught by our team of engaging, passionate and inspiring subject experts.
Subject Leaders
Dr Ruth Larsen Senior Lecturer in History; Programme Leader for BA (Hons) History and Subject Lead for Joint Honours History
As a Senior Lecturer in History, Ruth Larsen is the Programme Leader for undergraduate History programmes. She has research expertise in British History of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, especially relating to gender history and the history of the country house.
Dr Doyin Babajide is an economist, enthusiastic about research and keen on professional networking. Her role within the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences spans the full range of academic activities from teaching at all levels to leading economics and finance modules. Doyin currently leads the Introductory Microeconomics module and teaches other modules in the department.
Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.
At the University of Derby, we aim to attract the very best students to join us and to support their progression to university to ensure they reach their full potential and achieve their ambitions. We believe the very best students come from all backgrounds and we want to build a community that reflects our society.
What is a contextual offer?
Contextual offers are used by universities and colleges to take account of a student’s individual circumstances. Employing contextual offers at the University Derby will allow our admissions team to identify applicants with the greatest potential to succeed in higher education and be an exceptional Derby student. This makes the application process fairer and builds confidence in students about their ability to be part of our academic community.
We will use the information in an application form and may either reduce grade requirements or give extra consideration when deciding whether to give a contextual offer. We will also support these students through information, advice and guidance, outreach activities and on-campus visits before and during the application process.
What is the criteria?
Typical criteria may include one or more of the following:
Students who are care experienced
Students who are estranged from their families
Students who are refugees or asylum seekers
Students whose parents/carers are in the UK armed forces
*Please note students need to declare they meet one of these criteria on their application.
At the University of Derby, we aim to attract the very best students to join us and to support their progression to university to ensure they reach their full potential and achieve their ambitions. We believe the very best students come from all backgrounds and we want to build a community that reflects our society.
What is a contextual offer?
Contextual offers are used by universities and colleges to take account of a student’s individual circumstances. Employing contextual offers at the University Derby will allow our admissions team to identify applicants with the greatest potential to succeed in higher education and be an exceptional Derby student. This makes the application process fairer and builds confidence in students about their ability to be part of our academic community.
We will use the information in an application form and may either reduce grade requirements or give extra consideration when deciding whether to give a contextual offer. We will also support these students through information, advice and guidance, outreach activities and on-campus visits before and during the application process.
What is the criteria?
Typical criteria may include one or more of the following:
Students who are care experienced
Students who are estranged from their families
Students who are refugees or asylum seekers
Students whose parents/carers are in the UK armed forces
*Please note students need to declare they meet one of these criteria on their application.
We're committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
Included in your fees
Database usage within modules with access to Finance Lab for specified assessments, statistical analysis software
Some taster events - transport costs covered
Opportunities to enter IBM University Business Challenge or equivalent
Opportunity of part funded trips, optional with limited places available
Our undergraduate and postgraduate course pages will show the intakes that are available and open to applications. It's best to apply early so you can secure your place and beat the rush.
Once we have received your application and supporting documents (such as qualifications or references), we will review it and contact you within 4 weeks to let you know if you have been successful or not.
Our aim is to support all students to have the best possible opportunities to succeed and so our application and enrolment deadlines are in place to ensure you stand the best chance of doing so.
Joining the programme later may harm your chances of success on your course. It is therefore vital that you take note of the dates and ensure you submit your completed application and subsequent enrolment in time.
Undergraduate and postgraduate taught deadlines
Please note some courses may have an earlier induction, teaching and enrolment deadline date.
If your course operates a gathered field or pooled admissions process there may be an earlier application date. Please check your individual course page for further details.
If you are in Year 13 and applying for a full-time undergraduate course (including our joint honours courses), we recommend that you apply through UCAS.
If you are applying to study part-time, or already have your qualifications, or wish to join at Year 2 or 3, you should apply directly to the University.
Due to the transferable nature of the skills you’ll learn studying History such as verbal and written communication, critical analysis, independent thought and problem solving, you'll be suitably positioned for a range of roles upon graduating. In recent years, our own graduates have entered into a variety of careers, including:
Teaching
Libraries
Museums and archives
Retail and commercial management
Human resources
Marketing
An Economics degree adds prestige to your CV and could be your stepping stone to a lucrative graduate training scheme or a well-rewarded financial consultancy role. Economics graduates with an understanding of business and leadership are in great demand across the public, private and voluntary sectors worldwide. As well as roles in international business, consultancy and finance, you could pursue opportunities in government departments, development agencies, charities and not-for-profit organisations.
Our focus on problem-solving and practical economic analysis extends your career scope further still, opening doors to a much broader range of opportunities than with a more conventional Economics qualification. Some graduates go on to follow careers in areas such as HR, marketing, PR and sales.
Getting you career ready
Your degree is only part of your story.
We're here to help prepare you for life after university.
96% of UK graduates are in employment or further study.
Top 5 for employability. Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2025.
87% of UK graduates say their current activity is meaningful.
Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
Teacher’s Pension Scheme
Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
Discounted onsite gym
Discounted access to Devonshire Spa
Holiday purchase
Cycle to Work scheme
A flexible working environment
A commitment to personal and professional development
Contact us
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
You will typically study your two subjects equally at stage one, before choosing whether you want to major in one subject at stages two and three.
Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Course updates
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.